News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Suffolk Democrats Choose 2024 Slate
Choosing their slate for the November election, Suffolk's Democrats left an unsettled question: Who will run against first-term Congressman Nick LaLota? The party is going to let voters decide in a June 25 primary.
Project 2025 Looks to Build Conservative Workforce
Working under the assumption that Donald Trump will return to the White House, the 2025 Presidential Transition Project is recruiting and training the thousands of staffers he will need to change how business is done in Washington.
Wilderness Area Named for Otis Pike
The stunning Fire Island High Dune Wilderness Area just over the Smith Point Bridge in Shirley is named for Otis G. Pike, the Congressman who represented Suffolk from 1961 to 1979. Pike was a noted environmentalist whose legislation created the Fire Island National Seashore and the 1,381-acre park that carries his name.
Tierney Indicts Pair for Fires Set to Distract from Burglaries
A pair of Suffolk men arrested for setting fire to PSEG substations to distract law enforcement from their burglaries are under indictment by District Attorney Raymond Tierney. Frank Costa, 54, of Port Jefferson Station, and Jon Pucci, 29, of Middle Island, have been arrested for arson at three utility locations and nine commercial burglaries at businesses throughout Suffolk County. They also face weapons charges.
Glasses Raised for Manorville Water Project
Glasses of sparkling pine barrens water were raised in a toast Thursday to celebrate the completion of water mains to homes with contaminated wells in Manorville. Suffolk County Water Authority officials assembled on Primrose Path with local leaders, clean water advocates, and homeowners to herald the milestone.
Mazzarella to Headline Colonial Youth Event
"We're grateful that this community icon is headlining our main fundraising event," said Colonial Youth Board President Peter Costeloe. "We truly appreciate his support and all that he has done for our area."
Kayaker Saved in Dramatic Ocean Rescue
A kayaker who was pulled through Moriches Inlet into the Atlantic surf on Sunday was rescued by volunteers with the Eastport Fire Department, who deployed a rescue swimmer to help bring the man to safety.
Marc Herbst to Represent Suffolk on MTA Board
One of the three nominees Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine forwarded to Albany for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board, Marc Herbst has been accepted by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Unkechaug Nation: 10,000 Years of History
After an ill-fated tenure as mayor of Tangier, Col. William Smith came to America in 1686 and amassed more than 81,000 acres of property, much of it from the Unkechaug Indians, in what would later become the Town of Brookhaven. He carved out 175 acres off Forge River in Mastic for what he called the "Beach Indians," and the land, known as the Poospatuck Reservation, belongs to them still today.
Suffolk GOP Picks November Slate
Congressmen Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino will lead Suffolk's Republican ticket in November in an election that will also see state senate and assembly seats up for grabs. Voters will also cast ballots for president and the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Kirsten Gillibrand.
Caracappa Agenda for 2024
Standing with the county executive and police department officials to announce the promotion of 24 detectives was a key moment in Legislator Nick Caracappa's agenda to keep Suffolk safe. Along with protecting the island's natural resources with adequate funding for sewers and wastewater treatment systems and making the county a more affordable place to live, the Selden legislator has set an ambitious agenda for his third term.
The Race is On: Suffolk Marathon Will Keep Running
The popular Suffolk Marathon, which raises millions for veterans causes each year, will continue under the administration of County Executive Ed Romaine, officials said last week. In its eighth season, the event was initiated by former Executive Steve Bellone.
Recycled Christmas Trees Protect Barrier Beach
Members of the Long Island Beach Buggy Association turned out in force over the weekend to place donated Christmas trees along the dunes to help build up the barrier island.
Renovation of the Mastic-Shirley Station to Begin
The long-awaited renovation of the Mastic-Shirley Train Station will begin this week with renovations to the existing sidewalks, followed by the building of a new plaza and waiting area this spring. Platform improvements will start in June.
Rescue Swimmer Joseph Dalen
A 1st Lieutenant with the Eastport Fire Department, the first responder sped to the scene on a boat driven by his father, Fire Chief John Dalen. The victim, who had capsized in the breakers at the mouth of the treacherous Moriches Inlet and was separated from his kayak, was too hypothermic to grab a rescue ring thrown to him. Joseph, already in cold water survival gear, was deployed to get him into the hands of the crew who pulled him in.
Residents Voice Concern Over Shirley Mosque Plan
A chief concern of residents speaking out against a Shirley mosque at a zoning hearing last week is the building is too large for the proposed site, while supporters, many from the Islaamic Center of Mastic-Shirley, said they welcome the 13,500-square-foot facility as an asset to the community.
Romaine Announces Police Promotions, Adds 24 Detectives
Keeping Suffolk safe is the stated goal of officials gathered at police headquarters in Yaphank Thursday to announce the promotion of 24 officers to detective and a number of leadership changes.
Army Corps to Update Home Raising Plan
Mastic Peninsula residents will get an update this spring on a federal effort to raise homes in the floodplain, the area that was inundated during Hurricane Sandy and the two coastal storms last month, according to the program's sponsor, the Army Corps of Engineers.
1040Man: Shirley's Go-To Tax Preparer and Accounting Expert
A familiar presence on Montauk Highway in Shirley for over two decades, 1040Man is the go-to tax preparation and accounting expert for thousands of residents and businesses.
Grand Marshal Named for St. Patrick's Parade
The Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will march down Main Street in Center Moriches on March 10, with George Keller serving as Grand Marshal. sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, the popular parade is in its 20th year.
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Letters to the Editor: Library Trustees Thank Taxpayers for Victories
I’m deeply grateful to the residents of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Library District for approving the library budget, as well as for re-electing me.
State Mandated Safe Boating Courses Coming Up
Long Islanders out on the water are looking to stay safe this summer.
South Shore Press Reporter Makes a Stop at the Grand Canyon
South Shore Press Reporter Robert Chartuk makes a stop at the Grand Canyon.